5 Best Wireless Android Auto Adapters for Your Car

Jun 20, 2023

Android Auto and Apple CarPlay make driving easier as they can assist you with navigation and media controls. On that note, if you have an Android phone, then you can simply plug your phone into your car's USB port and you’re good to go. But, what if you don't want to connect the cable every time? Well, you can pick up one of the best wireless Android Auto adapters.

All recent Android phones are compatible with wireless Android Auto. However, most cars don't have wireless Android Auto support. So if you don't want to keep your phone plugged in at all times, a wireless Android Auto dongle is the way to go. This way, you don't have to change your car's entertainment system entirely.

Here are some Android Auto-compatible wireless adapters that you can buy to make your car smarter. But first,

Let's get to the products now!

Note: The adapters mentioned below will only work if your car has support for wired Android Auto. So, if your car doesn't have Android Auto at all, you’ll have to look into swapping out your infotainment system.

Buy

The Ramay wireless Android Auto adapter is the most affordable dongle on this list. Despite that, the adapter is quite versatile and it offers a handful of connectivity options. To wit, the dongle plugs into a USB-A port by default but if your car has the more modern USB-C port, then fret not as the brand provides an adapter in the box.

All you have to do is plug in the Ramay adapter to the USB port in your car and it's ready to go. You have to go through an initial setup process on your smartphone to connect the device. Once done, your phone will automatically connect to the dongle whenever you turn on your car.

The dongle has a compact form factor so it can be tucked away easily. The majority of the reviews for the Ramay Android auto adapter mention that it's a reliable Android Auto adapter. However, the instruction manual seems to be outdated so you might have to figure out the setup process by yourself.

Buy

The Geohyecc dongle draws parallels to the Ramay wireless Android Auto dongle in terms of functionality. Where it differs though is in terms of connectivity and form factor. On that note, Geohyecc's offering comes with support for 5GHz Wi-Fi networks. As such, the device should offer a hassle-free experience while navigating or streaming music.

Unlike the Ramay wireless dongle, the Geohyecc adapter looks like a small Android TV box. Understandably, the device has a sizeable footprint so you will have to make space below the dashboard. The larger form factor comes with a few advantages though. These include a better wireless modem for faster Wi-Fi speeds. And, since the device gets a larger surface area, it should dissipate heat better too. Correspondingly, the dongle should offer stable performance in the long run.

As per the reviews, there's no issue with the way the Android Auto interface works with the Geohyecc dongle. However, per some reviews, the dongle seemingly disconnects by itself at times. Users then had to wait for a few seconds before the connection was established again.

Buy

If you thought Motorola only made smartphones — you’re wrong. The Moto MA1 is, in fact, one of the most popular wireless Android Auto dongles out there. It's smaller than the Ramay dongle and despite that, it supports 5GHz Wi-Fi functionality.

If you want a pint-sized, feature-rich dongle, then the Motorola MA1 is the way to go. It won't take up much space in your car as it comes with a short cable. What's more, Android Auto tasks that require an internet connection (like navigation and streaming) work well, thanks to the dongle's compliance with the 5GHz network.

Going by the reviews, the Motorola MA1 is one of the most reliable wireless Android Auto adapters out there. Do note that the adapter is on the pricier side. Moreover, Motorola doesn't include a USB-A to USB-C adapter in the box either. So if your car doesn't have a USB-A port, you’ll have to pick one up separately.

Buy

If you’re willing to spend a considerable amount of money, you can pick up the Acywobi 3-in-1 wireless Android Adapter. The two features that the brand markets are the ability to use wireless Apple CarPlay and support for standalone apps that let you stream content from your phone.

Let's address the former first. If you have both an Android device and an iPhone, you can switch between Android Auto and Apple CarPlay using the Acywobi 3-in-1 adapter. Support for Apple CarPlay can also come in handy if you share a vehicle with folks rocking an iPhone.

Apart from mirroring, the Acywobi adapter also has the YouTube and Netflix apps built-in so once you connect your phone, you can use it as a hotspot to stream content directly on your car's infotainment system.

Most of the reviews on Amazon are fantastic thanks to the adapter's versatile nature. The only downside is the high price tag but you’re paying for the extra functionality here. Simply put, it's a good alternative to the Motorola MA1 adapter with better features.

Buy

The Carlinkit adapter is the most expensive one on this list and for good reason. It boots Android OS so you don't have to connect your phone in order to use Android Auto. What's more, you can run apps independently through the adapter as it also supports 4G LTE connectivity via a SIM card.

The version of Android built into the Carlinkit Android Auto adapter can not only help you navigate but it also lets you stream content. There are built-in apps like YouTube, Netflix, TikTok, etc. that work independently. Just insert a SIM card with a working data plan and you’re good to go. If you want to use your phone instead, you always have the option to use both wireless Android Auto and CarPlay.

Each time you turn on your car, you will get an option to use the built-in OS or Android Auto. You can pick either of them depending on your usage. While the functionality of the Carlinkit adapter is amazing, you might be put off by the asking price. It's almost three times more than a standard wireless Android Auto dongle like Motorola MA1. If you’re willing to splurge for the extra functionality, go for it.

If your car has support for wired Android Auto and a USB port, you can use a wireless Android Auto adapter.

Some wireless adapters also have support for CarPlay. However, not all adapters with Android Auto support work with CarPlay. Make sure you check the product description properly before buying a product.

Wireless Android Auto doesn't give you better features or an improved experience. It's more convenient though since you don't have to take your phone out and plug it in every time before driving.

Wired Android Auto can be inconvenient as you have to contend with a wire dangling in your car all the time. Plus, keeping your phone plugged in for hours at a stretch can bode poorly for your phone's battery health too. You can solve these issues by getting any of the best wireless Android Auto adapters from the list above. If you have the budget, consider getting one with CarPlay support too as it’ll come in handy if you switch to an iPhone in the future.

Last updated on 17 May, 2023

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In 1995, the first GPS navigation system was introduced in a car.

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Sumukh has been simplifying tech for the masses and helping consumers pick the right gadgets with his in-depth insights and reviews. He decided to hide his B.Tech degree in the closet to pursue his passion for writing. Over the past 5 years, he has contributed with guides, reviews, and detailed opinions to notable publications like TechPP and XDA-Developers. When not jamming his fingers on thoccy mechanical keyboards, Sumukh is busy convincing people how VR Gaming is the next best thing after sliced bread.